What do you think?
Rate this book
Arranged Games #3
Carnal Games
“He believes I’m a temptation but doesn’t know he’s been mine long before I’ve been his.”
Iris
My whole life is a lie.
Driven by an obsessive crush, torrid desire, and treacherous secrets I hold dear to my heart.
Nobody is the wiser.
Not my parents.
Not my best friends.
Not even my new fiancé.
Now, my house of cards is about to fall.
One carnal lie at a time.
And making them ruthlessly tumble is my fiancé’s older brother.
Kian Singhania.
Enigmatic. Reclusive. Menacing.
A merciless lone wolf with a heart of ice.
The man I’ve craved and burned for from the shadows,
Whose lair I’ve dared to venture into without protection.
Everyone is scared I’ll be eaten alive. Except they don’t know that I want to be.
Because he’s not the hunter.
It’s me.
Kian
My life is solitary. My world is gray.
It’s how I prefer it.
Until she walks in.
Bringing with her all the colors I was missing.
My estranged brother’s fiancée.
Iris Mannan.
Young. Softhearted. An embodiment of sunshine.
Very, very, off-limits.
One minute, she didn’t exist to me. Now, she’s everywhere.
In my office. At my club. In my building. In my apartment.
She’s all I see. Breathe. Obsess about.
Because beneath her angelic face, she holds a darkness.
That I am drawn to and want to unleash and savor.
Craving her was inevitable.
Resisting her a necessity.
Stealing her from my brother—a dangerous calamity.
Author's Note: This is the third installment in the Arranged Games series and is part one of Kian and Iris’s story and cannot be read as a standalone. It's a steamy with medium to high burn dark and forbidden fiance's older brother billionaire romance, featuring a morally grey antihero and an equally morally grey heroine. NO CHEATING.
Iris
My whole life is a lie.
Driven by an obsessive crush, torrid desire, and treacherous secrets I hold dear to my heart.
Nobody is the wiser.
Not my parents.
Not my best friends.
Not even my new fiancé.
Now, my house of cards is about to fall.
One carnal lie at a time.
And making them ruthlessly tumble is my fiancé’s older brother.
Kian Singhania.
Enigmatic. Reclusive. Menacing.
A merciless lone wolf with a heart of ice.
The man I’ve craved and burned for from the shadows,
Whose lair I’ve dared to venture into without protection.
Everyone is scared I’ll be eaten alive. Except they don’t know that I want to be.
Because he’s not the hunter.
It’s me.
Kian
My life is solitary. My world is gray.
It’s how I prefer it.
Until she walks in.
Bringing with her all the colors I was missing.
My estranged brother’s fiancée.
Iris Mannan.
Young. Softhearted. An embodiment of sunshine.
Very, very, off-limits.
One minute, she didn’t exist to me. Now, she’s everywhere.
In my office. At my club. In my building. In my apartment.
She’s all I see. Breathe. Obsess about.
Because beneath her angelic face, she holds a darkness.
That I am drawn to and want to unleash and savor.
Craving her was inevitable.
Resisting her a necessity.
Stealing her from my brother—a dangerous calamity.
Author's Note: This is the third installment in the Arranged Games series and is part one of Kian and Iris’s story and cannot be read as a standalone. It's a steamy with medium to high burn dark and forbidden fiance's older brother billionaire romance, featuring a morally grey antihero and an equally morally grey heroine. NO CHEATING.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2025
818 people are currently reading
5202 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Want to read
September 23, 2025Update: Discreet cover apparently exists for this‼️
I love you Simran, and I really love your books, but not everyone likes men on the covers 😭
I love you Simran, and I really love your books, but not everyone likes men on the covers 😭
July 5, 2025
Just WOW! I am a die hard Simran fan and anything she writes is magical. Carnal Games was my most anticipated 2025 read, although now I have to wait for Illicit Games too🙈
Iris is about to marry the brother of the man he obsessed over for years. At the engagement, she and Kian finally cross paths, but it’s too late, Kian knows she is off limits.
The book has all the angst, slow burn and spice 🔥🔥
Iris is such a force and I was obsessed with her! We quickly learn how the table has turned and our FMC turns out to be the one that is obsesses first! 🩷
From the early glances we get from Kian, we know he is a troubled, complex character who has a lot of mystery around him. He is an equally strong man and once he falls, he is not backing down.
Simran did a phenomenal job with this book setting the stakes for him part 2 very high. It took me a while to process all the twists and turns this book had and that ENDING! I was brutally traumatized, sad, angry and disappointed with all that happened at the end. I will patiently wait for Illicit Games to drop and absolutely recommend reading this book 🩷
Tropes:
- Fiance’s brother
- Boss/Assistant
- Obsessed FMC
- Age gap
- Billionaire romance
Thank you to The Author Agency and Simran for allowing me to read this ARC💜
Iris is about to marry the brother of the man he obsessed over for years. At the engagement, she and Kian finally cross paths, but it’s too late, Kian knows she is off limits.
The book has all the angst, slow burn and spice 🔥🔥
Iris is such a force and I was obsessed with her! We quickly learn how the table has turned and our FMC turns out to be the one that is obsesses first! 🩷
From the early glances we get from Kian, we know he is a troubled, complex character who has a lot of mystery around him. He is an equally strong man and once he falls, he is not backing down.
Simran did a phenomenal job with this book setting the stakes for him part 2 very high. It took me a while to process all the twists and turns this book had and that ENDING! I was brutally traumatized, sad, angry and disappointed with all that happened at the end. I will patiently wait for Illicit Games to drop and absolutely recommend reading this book 🩷
Tropes:
- Fiance’s brother
- Boss/Assistant
- Obsessed FMC
- Age gap
- Billionaire romance
Thank you to The Author Agency and Simran for allowing me to read this ARC💜
June 28, 2025
Iris + Kian
-billionaire romance
-fiances brother
-boss x assistant
-girl OBBBBSESSED
-corruption kink
-age gap
damnnn there is just soooo much deep going on into this story here & it made it super interesting & intriguing to stay engaged into it! & DAMNNNN that cliffy had me FREAKING OUTTT!! WHAT THE HELL!!???
-billionaire romance
-fiances brother
-boss x assistant
-girl OBBBBSESSED
-corruption kink
-age gap
damnnn there is just soooo much deep going on into this story here & it made it super interesting & intriguing to stay engaged into it! & DAMNNNN that cliffy had me FREAKING OUTTT!! WHAT THE HELL!!???
July 13, 2025
I stan a woman obsessed but omfg that plot twist at the end! Totally wasn’t expecting it and can’t wait to finish the duet!
fmc-pursue-mmc
August 9, 2025note : note a fan of an obsessed fmc who pursues the mmc.
it's bordering on pathetic.
it's bordering on pathetic.
August 28, 2025
⭐️ 3.90
OMGGG!!! WHAT A PLOT TWIST
OMGGG!!! WHAT A PLOT TWIST
July 7, 2025
Carnal Games by Simran
5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
This book surprised me in the best way! I honestly didn’t expect to fall in love with it so much. The plot is refreshingly unique, blending humor, mystery, suspense, drama, and forbidden romance. There's some spice, but it's more about the yearning and longing. The chemistry between the main characters is unbelievable! This book made me feel all kinds of emotions, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
The story revolves around Iris, who spots Kian one day in the park and becomes completely fascinated by him. She starts to observe him from a distance every day. Then she meets Nathan, Kian's younger brother, and they become best friends. For years, Iris tries to get Kian’s attention, but it's a struggle. Just when Kian begins to notice her, the timing is all wrong since she’s now engaged to Nathan! On top of that, Iris is assigned to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of female employees at Kian's company.
Iris is a fantastic character! She’s the perfect mix of innocence and shyness, but she also has this bold determination, especially when it comes to Kian. She knows what she wants and never gives up! She’s a real spitfire, always challenging Kian. And Kian? Well, he’s a tough nut to crack—grumpy and closed off, with a lot of family issues that strain his relationship with Nathan. But as relentless as Iris is, she slowly starts to break down his walls.
The tension between Iris and Kian is off the charts! I loved watching Kian's character unravel because of her. It’s adorable how he can’t stop thinking about her and how protective he becomes. They complement each other perfectly! And that cliffhanger? Oh my gosh, I didn’t see that coming! My heart broke for both Iris and Kian, and I was feeling a bit frustrated with Nathan. I need the next book ASAP! I have a feeling it’ll be an even bigger rollercoaster ride of emotions, but I’m all in for Iris and Kian’s happy ending. If you enjoy billionaire romances filled with suspense, family drama, secrets, and tons of tension and yearning, I recommend this book!
5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
This book surprised me in the best way! I honestly didn’t expect to fall in love with it so much. The plot is refreshingly unique, blending humor, mystery, suspense, drama, and forbidden romance. There's some spice, but it's more about the yearning and longing. The chemistry between the main characters is unbelievable! This book made me feel all kinds of emotions, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
The story revolves around Iris, who spots Kian one day in the park and becomes completely fascinated by him. She starts to observe him from a distance every day. Then she meets Nathan, Kian's younger brother, and they become best friends. For years, Iris tries to get Kian’s attention, but it's a struggle. Just when Kian begins to notice her, the timing is all wrong since she’s now engaged to Nathan! On top of that, Iris is assigned to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of female employees at Kian's company.
Iris is a fantastic character! She’s the perfect mix of innocence and shyness, but she also has this bold determination, especially when it comes to Kian. She knows what she wants and never gives up! She’s a real spitfire, always challenging Kian. And Kian? Well, he’s a tough nut to crack—grumpy and closed off, with a lot of family issues that strain his relationship with Nathan. But as relentless as Iris is, she slowly starts to break down his walls.
The tension between Iris and Kian is off the charts! I loved watching Kian's character unravel because of her. It’s adorable how he can’t stop thinking about her and how protective he becomes. They complement each other perfectly! And that cliffhanger? Oh my gosh, I didn’t see that coming! My heart broke for both Iris and Kian, and I was feeling a bit frustrated with Nathan. I need the next book ASAP! I have a feeling it’ll be an even bigger rollercoaster ride of emotions, but I’m all in for Iris and Kian’s happy ending. If you enjoy billionaire romances filled with suspense, family drama, secrets, and tons of tension and yearning, I recommend this book!
July 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Okay. First things first. I knew this was going to have a horrible cliff hanger since I got an email for the for Illicit Games (pt 2 of the duet) before I started reading. But sweet mother Mary, Joseph, and Jesus that cliffhanger was a doozy!! After all the slow burn, and tension, and PINING. I'm going to go crazy waiting for part 2...literally crazy. I'm currently counting down the days.
Thank you Simran and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
🔥Fiancé’s older brother
🔥Girl OBSESSED
🔥Age Gap
🔥Quiet & Grumpy Hero x Sunshine & Shy Heroine
🔥Boss x Assistant
🔥Corruption Kink
🔥Billionaire romance
🔥Breeding Kink (Without the pregnancy)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Okay. First things first. I knew this was going to have a horrible cliff hanger since I got an email for the for Illicit Games (pt 2 of the duet) before I started reading. But sweet mother Mary, Joseph, and Jesus that cliffhanger was a doozy!! After all the slow burn, and tension, and PINING. I'm going to go crazy waiting for part 2...literally crazy. I'm currently counting down the days.
Thank you Simran and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
🔥Fiancé’s older brother
🔥Girl OBSESSED
🔥Age Gap
🔥Quiet & Grumpy Hero x Sunshine & Shy Heroine
🔥Boss x Assistant
🔥Corruption Kink
🔥Billionaire romance
🔥Breeding Kink (Without the pregnancy)
July 7, 2025
Okayy slow burnnn 🙏🙏
July 5, 2025
The tension…. The writing…. The story…. The characters… the spice. It was all delicious. Highly recommend and I’m DYING to get the conclusion of this duet!
July 11, 2025
✨ ARC Review: Carnal Games by Simran — 4/5 Stars ✨
📚 ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Okay first of all—Simran you have my soul. And second of all… THAT CLIFFHANGER?! Be fr, girl. I was not emotionally prepared to be left gasping like I just watched a season finale on HBO. 💀
Let’s just start with the obvious: Carnal Games is a slow-burn billionaire romance dripping with tension, secrets, and forbidden vibes that had me glued to every page like it was a k-drama I couldn’t pause. From the lush writing to the emotional character depth, Simran truly came through with a bold and immersive story that goes beyond basic billionaire tropes. There’s angst, there’s heat (even if the spice is still teasing us), and there’s heart.
Iris is a girl after my own heart. 5’1”, quiet but persistent, introverted but determined—she’s basically the short queen rep we all deserve. She’s caught in this emotionally chaotic fake engagement with her bestie (hello, plot twist gold) while secretly crushing on Kian, the broody older brother, who also just happens to be her boss. Casual. Totally not messy. (JK it’s beautifully messy.)
Now let’s talk about Kian:
🧊 Ice cold billionaire
🖤 Tortured soul
🔥 Lowkey the king of the “I hate everyone but you” trope
His walls? SKY HIGH. His emotional damage? DELICIOUSLY COMPLEX. And the way he tries to push Iris away while clearly unraveling every time she’s near? I’m unwell.
The chemistry between Iris and Kian is electric. You can practically feel the tension buzzing off the page every time they share a scene. There’s this constant push-pull that makes you want to shake them both and scream “JUST KISS ALREADY,” but also? I loved that the book took its time building up their connection—each small moment, each guarded look, each failed attempt to resist made it so worth it.
Simran really said: let me hit you with family drama, corruption, mystery, age gap, fake fiancée, workplace tension, and still make it feel fresh. She delivered. The plot never dragged, the character dynamics were layered and so real, and the emotional tension was off the charts.
But let’s be honest—the ending?
That cliffhanger??
RUDE. 😭
I was screaming, throwing my Kindle, pacing like a girl waiting on a text back. I need book two yesterday.
⸻
💥 Tropes:
• Billionaire romance
• Fiancé’s brother (yeah, we’re in that territory 👀)
• Boss x Assistant
• Obsession (girl coded AND guy coded)
• Age gap
• Fake engagement
• Emotional damage™
• Found family + broken family
• Slow burn with a hint of spice
• Corruption kink energy
• “Touch her and die” but make it quiet and intense
⸻
🚨 Trigger Warnings:
• Emotional trauma
• Toxic family dynamics
• Death (off page, referenced)
• Verbal outbursts / controlling behavior (MMC)
• Class/power imbalance (handled with nuance)
📚 ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Okay first of all—Simran you have my soul. And second of all… THAT CLIFFHANGER?! Be fr, girl. I was not emotionally prepared to be left gasping like I just watched a season finale on HBO. 💀
Let’s just start with the obvious: Carnal Games is a slow-burn billionaire romance dripping with tension, secrets, and forbidden vibes that had me glued to every page like it was a k-drama I couldn’t pause. From the lush writing to the emotional character depth, Simran truly came through with a bold and immersive story that goes beyond basic billionaire tropes. There’s angst, there’s heat (even if the spice is still teasing us), and there’s heart.
Iris is a girl after my own heart. 5’1”, quiet but persistent, introverted but determined—she’s basically the short queen rep we all deserve. She’s caught in this emotionally chaotic fake engagement with her bestie (hello, plot twist gold) while secretly crushing on Kian, the broody older brother, who also just happens to be her boss. Casual. Totally not messy. (JK it’s beautifully messy.)
Now let’s talk about Kian:
🧊 Ice cold billionaire
🖤 Tortured soul
🔥 Lowkey the king of the “I hate everyone but you” trope
His walls? SKY HIGH. His emotional damage? DELICIOUSLY COMPLEX. And the way he tries to push Iris away while clearly unraveling every time she’s near? I’m unwell.
The chemistry between Iris and Kian is electric. You can practically feel the tension buzzing off the page every time they share a scene. There’s this constant push-pull that makes you want to shake them both and scream “JUST KISS ALREADY,” but also? I loved that the book took its time building up their connection—each small moment, each guarded look, each failed attempt to resist made it so worth it.
Simran really said: let me hit you with family drama, corruption, mystery, age gap, fake fiancée, workplace tension, and still make it feel fresh. She delivered. The plot never dragged, the character dynamics were layered and so real, and the emotional tension was off the charts.
But let’s be honest—the ending?
That cliffhanger??
RUDE. 😭
I was screaming, throwing my Kindle, pacing like a girl waiting on a text back. I need book two yesterday.
⸻
💥 Tropes:
• Billionaire romance
• Fiancé’s brother (yeah, we’re in that territory 👀)
• Boss x Assistant
• Obsession (girl coded AND guy coded)
• Age gap
• Fake engagement
• Emotional damage™
• Found family + broken family
• Slow burn with a hint of spice
• Corruption kink energy
• “Touch her and die” but make it quiet and intense
⸻
🚨 Trigger Warnings:
• Emotional trauma
• Toxic family dynamics
• Death (off page, referenced)
• Verbal outbursts / controlling behavior (MMC)
• Class/power imbalance (handled with nuance)
July 5, 2025
I loved this book and could not put it down! I stayed up until 4am because I had to finish it in one sitting. But that ending, nooooooooo!!! Whyyy did you do that to me? I need the next book!
Iris was just 18 when she started stalking her crush from afar. And then when her new friend from the store ended up being his brother, even better. She may be shy, but she was driven and focused. She agreed to date and get engaged to Nathan so she could be close to her crush and to help her friend.
Kian has been estranged from his family for years. They don’t even acknowledge that he is part of their family. He has been on his own and started his own company since he was younger. He is grumpy and brooding. He also has a very dominant side who is possessive. And for the right woman, he has a soft spot where he wants to protect her and cuddle her.
Iris sees Kian for who he is, not who everyone else tells her he is. But she is keeping secrets from him. She is also very stubborn and determined to get an interview with him. So when he demands she work for him and is now in close proximity to him all the time, she is in heaven. Kian tries to resist Iris, but he can’t. The sexual and playful banter between the two is so good. They are playing with fire since she is engaged to his brother. Deep down he is a good guy. The possessiveness and mouth on that man will have anyone weak in the knees.
5⭐️
3🌶️
Iris was just 18 when she started stalking her crush from afar. And then when her new friend from the store ended up being his brother, even better. She may be shy, but she was driven and focused. She agreed to date and get engaged to Nathan so she could be close to her crush and to help her friend.
Kian has been estranged from his family for years. They don’t even acknowledge that he is part of their family. He has been on his own and started his own company since he was younger. He is grumpy and brooding. He also has a very dominant side who is possessive. And for the right woman, he has a soft spot where he wants to protect her and cuddle her.
Iris sees Kian for who he is, not who everyone else tells her he is. But she is keeping secrets from him. She is also very stubborn and determined to get an interview with him. So when he demands she work for him and is now in close proximity to him all the time, she is in heaven. Kian tries to resist Iris, but he can’t. The sexual and playful banter between the two is so good. They are playing with fire since she is engaged to his brother. Deep down he is a good guy. The possessiveness and mouth on that man will have anyone weak in the knees.
5⭐️
3🌶️
July 7, 2025
I loved the beginning of Kian and Iris's story. That cliffhanger though. I can't wait almost a month for the conclusion. Iris is the stalker and a female stalker and rare so I absolutely loved it. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
August 5, 2025
Great book
I loved the book, a little slow, but god I love it.
But that damn ending!!!! Cant wait for the story to continue ❤️
I loved the book, a little slow, but god I love it.
But that damn ending!!!! Cant wait for the story to continue ❤️
October 24, 2025
i literally love kian so much
MARKING EACH OTHER?????? yes pls
FUCK NATHAN
i need to read the next one immediately
MARKING EACH OTHER?????? yes pls
FUCK NATHAN
i need to read the next one immediately
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
Kian & Iris
November 13, 2025
Honestly better than I thought it would be and the last plot twist left me stunned. Tension between to two main characters is incredible and it’s interesting to have truly morally grey characters.
September 29, 2025
3.25 ⭐
Book #3 interconnected series each focusing on a different couple:
Book #1 of 2 for Iris + Kian
🔸Billionaire MMC (also his family and most of FMCs friends)
🔸Ex-militar, owner of security company
🔸Adorable, naive, respectful stalker (?)
🔸Love/Crush at first sight: specially for the FMC who saw him first when she was 18 (he only met her 3 years later)
🔸She-fell-first, he-fell-harder
🔸Brother's fiance (& so forbidden feelings)
🔸Fake relationship with MMC's brother (the brothers aren't in speaking terms and the MMC is estranged from the family that's why it took her 3 years to meet him & she doesn't tell the MMC the truth)
🔸Neighbours
🔸Investigative journalism student
🔸Boss-assistant
🔸Undercover investigating a crime (MMC doesn't know)
🔸Brooding, grumpy, lone wolf
🔸Grumpy - sunshine (kinda)
🔸Possessive (both of them)
🔸He enters in protective+caveman mode when she is attacked
🔸Age gap: FMC 21 + MMC 36(?)
🔸Secrets & predictable problems because of it
🔸Indian characters & culture (lightly)
🔸Pet names/Nicknames: Rainbow, Mr. Severe, love, baby
🔸Tattooing each others names
🔸MMC is part owner of a gentleman's (sex?) club
🔥Spice: including virgin FMC, Dom/sub vibes, calling "sir" and "daddy" (less times), corruption kink, breading kink (no baby, just fantasy), 🍑 play, office sex, spanking
✅ MMC isn't a womaniser
✅ No cheating, no OW drama
❗Mentions women being abudcted and disappearing from workplace (off page), FMC does get beaten up and threatened for investigating the case (quickly described and not too graphic)
Book #3 interconnected series each focusing on a different couple:
Book #1 of 2 for Iris + Kian
🔸Billionaire MMC (also his family and most of FMCs friends)
🔸Ex-militar, owner of security company
🔸Adorable, naive, respectful stalker (?)
🔸Love/Crush at first sight: specially for the FMC who saw him first when she was 18 (he only met her 3 years later)
🔸She-fell-first, he-fell-harder
🔸Brother's fiance (& so forbidden feelings)
🔸Fake relationship with MMC's brother (the brothers aren't in speaking terms and the MMC is estranged from the family that's why it took her 3 years to meet him & she doesn't tell the MMC the truth)
🔸Neighbours
🔸Investigative journalism student
🔸Boss-assistant
🔸Undercover investigating a crime (MMC doesn't know)
🔸Brooding, grumpy, lone wolf
🔸Grumpy - sunshine (kinda)
🔸Possessive (both of them)
🔸He enters in protective+caveman mode when she is attacked
🔸Age gap: FMC 21 + MMC 36(?)
🔸Secrets & predictable problems because of it
🔸Indian characters & culture (lightly)
🔸Pet names/Nicknames: Rainbow, Mr. Severe, love, baby
🔸Tattooing each others names
🔸MMC is part owner of a gentleman's (sex?) club
🔥Spice: including virgin FMC, Dom/sub vibes, calling "sir" and "daddy" (less times), corruption kink, breading kink (no baby, just fantasy), 🍑 play, office sex, spanking
✅ MMC isn't a womaniser
✅ No cheating, no OW drama
❗Mentions women being abudcted and disappearing from workplace (off page), FMC does get beaten up and threatened for investigating the case (quickly described and not too graphic)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Amazon
Iris has been obsessed and fascinated with Kian since she first laid eyes on him years ago. But now she's fake engaged to his estranged brother, so she's not supposed to be obsessed with him any longer. Of course, she is, and when she goes to work for him, that obsession grows to unbearable limits. She's seeing him for who he is, not that grumpy image he projects, and she's not only obsessed but falling deep in love with him. Her secrets, though, could be the end of them...
Kian's heart has been frozen for a long time. He doesn't do emotions or feelings, aside from projecting stoicism and grumpiness. Then this ray of...something in the form of Iris bulldozes her way into his life. Suddenly he's becoming obsessed with her, and it's not a good thing, because she's engaged to his brother, part of the family he's no longer a part of himself. He may not exactly love his brother, but he still knows she's as off-limits as one can be, even as he wants to claim every part of her, especially her heart. All the forced proximity is whittling away at his restraint, and he's minutes from snapping, her engaged status be damned!
Iris is such a cool little stalker! I love that she's the obsessed one, well, the FIRST one to be obsessed, and does not refrain in any way from crushing on him when she starts working for him. I knew Kian didn't stand a chance at resisting her for long, and quickly became as obsessed with her as she was with him. She gets him, sees him, in a way no one else does, just the first way she's absolutely perfect for him, and vice versa. There's an awful cliffhanger, though, and now I'm waiting, very impatiently, for Illicit Games, so I can find out how the author plans on getting this deliciously naughty couple out of the mess they were in at the end of Carnal Games.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub | StoryGraph | Linktree
October 17, 2025
I knew I hated "she fell first" and "she fell harder" tropes, but this book made me absolutely despise them. Iris is simply pathetic for most of the book.
I don't think it ever took me that long to finish a book, but I was just doing everything I could to not have to read it. My kitchen is extra clean now, btw.
But I finally got through it. The last 20% is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars. Everything before was boring and didn't feel like a slow burn - more like a long prologue.
FMC is annoying as fuck and full of contradictions that just don't make sense.
The spice is so random that it feels unnatural. It's basically nonexistent for 90% of the book and then we get hit with some weird kinks without even getting to deflowering her (she's a virgin ofc - the usual romance author fetish, where the MMC is a manwhore and FMC, an adult woman didn't even kiss anyone).
Cliffhanger is so far-fetched that I genuinely consider the second instalment a cash grab. Hoping im wrong and ill enjoy myself.
I don't think it ever took me that long to finish a book, but I was just doing everything I could to not have to read it. My kitchen is extra clean now, btw.
But I finally got through it. The last 20% is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars. Everything before was boring and didn't feel like a slow burn - more like a long prologue.
FMC is annoying as fuck and full of contradictions that just don't make sense.
The spice is so random that it feels unnatural. It's basically nonexistent for 90% of the book and then we get hit with some weird kinks without even getting to deflowering her (she's a virgin ofc - the usual romance author fetish, where the MMC is a manwhore and FMC, an adult woman didn't even kiss anyone).
Cliffhanger is so far-fetched that I genuinely consider the second instalment a cash grab. Hoping im wrong and ill enjoy myself.
July 2, 2025
4⭐️/2🌶️
Okay, I have mixed feelings on this book. As much as I loved it, I hate that it's a duet lol.
Kian and Iris's chemistry was off the charts!
I will keep this review short because I don't want to spoil anything, but if you like dark billionaire, obsessive, and mystery, go for it!
Okay, I have mixed feelings on this book. As much as I loved it, I hate that it's a duet lol.
Kian and Iris's chemistry was off the charts!
I will keep this review short because I don't want to spoil anything, but if you like dark billionaire, obsessive, and mystery, go for it!
July 10, 2025
the first 30% was boring as fuck. then it kinda got better then it ended in a cliff hanger😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
It ends in cliffhanger 😓
September 25, 2025
iris is so annoying bruh
July 1, 2025
💰Reclusive Billionaire
👿Grump x Shy Girl
💍Fake Marriage
🔥She Falls First and Hard
💝Secret Crush
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🫦Age Gap (21, 36)
🔍Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This was a vibrant drama, filled with richly lush characters, steady pacing, a touch of forbidden, family secrets, and a very orginal narrative! I love how organic the prologue is and how it leads to our two leads in direct contact with one another. There's serendipity to their paths crossing but in a believable way.
Iris is like my doppelganger, she's even my height at 5ft 1, so kudos to the shortie girl rep! She's shy as a whole but bold when it comes to trying to break through her beautifully broken broody Adonis billionaire crush, Kian. He's the older brother of the man that's become her close friend and now current fake fiancé. We follow along with Iris in trying to discover why the man she's intrigued and attracted to has extricated himself from his family, built such high walks around his heart, and gives the impression of an icy business tactician.
He takes "grump" to a level that makes us frustrated in the best way, because he doesn't want to hurt her and push people away but feels he has to in order to protect them. With shades of beauty and the beast, we then get close proximity as she begins working for him and lives next door. I applauded her resolve to enact a "plan" to crack the icy king's facade. Seeing slivers of his true kindness, warmth, and hidden self is peppered in perfectly.
I got so wonderfully lost in the drama mixed with tension, mystery, and the deeply layered couple. Iris feels incredibly real and relatable to me, reacting to his gruff outbursts with grace but also not without visible hurt feelings.
My one hesitation is that Kian alludes to dark and depraved s3xual appetites for her and some real dirty talk and it just seems so at odds with his honorable restraint, broody facade, and hidden kindness throughout most of the story. Thankfully it isn't much...I love the restraint and the promise of intense s3x to come, but the small moments and character building makes it more special.
I didn't want this to end so I'm thrilled that this became a duet! I'm enthralled by their story; the push-pull, the mystery, the chemistry, I am so captivated by it all and Kian!
👿Grump x Shy Girl
💍Fake Marriage
🔥She Falls First and Hard
💝Secret Crush
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🫦Age Gap (21, 36)
🔍Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This was a vibrant drama, filled with richly lush characters, steady pacing, a touch of forbidden, family secrets, and a very orginal narrative! I love how organic the prologue is and how it leads to our two leads in direct contact with one another. There's serendipity to their paths crossing but in a believable way.
Iris is like my doppelganger, she's even my height at 5ft 1, so kudos to the shortie girl rep! She's shy as a whole but bold when it comes to trying to break through her beautifully broken broody Adonis billionaire crush, Kian. He's the older brother of the man that's become her close friend and now current fake fiancé. We follow along with Iris in trying to discover why the man she's intrigued and attracted to has extricated himself from his family, built such high walks around his heart, and gives the impression of an icy business tactician.
He takes "grump" to a level that makes us frustrated in the best way, because he doesn't want to hurt her and push people away but feels he has to in order to protect them. With shades of beauty and the beast, we then get close proximity as she begins working for him and lives next door. I applauded her resolve to enact a "plan" to crack the icy king's facade. Seeing slivers of his true kindness, warmth, and hidden self is peppered in perfectly.
I got so wonderfully lost in the drama mixed with tension, mystery, and the deeply layered couple. Iris feels incredibly real and relatable to me, reacting to his gruff outbursts with grace but also not without visible hurt feelings.
My one hesitation is that Kian alludes to dark and depraved s3xual appetites for her and some real dirty talk and it just seems so at odds with his honorable restraint, broody facade, and hidden kindness throughout most of the story. Thankfully it isn't much...I love the restraint and the promise of intense s3x to come, but the small moments and character building makes it more special.
I didn't want this to end so I'm thrilled that this became a duet! I'm enthralled by their story; the push-pull, the mystery, the chemistry, I am so captivated by it all and Kian!
July 4, 2025
🔥 Forbidden love
💔 Morally grey characters
🖤 Obsession
⚖️ Betrayal
💋 Steamy romance
👫 Enemies to lovers
🌑 Dark hero
🌞 Sunshine heroine
🕵️♀️ Secrets and lies
💍 Engagement
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carnal Games by Simran, the third book in the Arranged Games series, grips readers with its electrifying intensity and unapologetic tension. In this twisted tale, Iris is living a lie, one that she's carefully constructed to protect the deep secrets she’s hiding. Despite being engaged to a man she’s supposed to love, her true desires lie elsewhere, with Kian Singhania, her fiancé's enigmatic older brother. Kian is everything Iris craves and fears—cold, isolated, and dangerous, with a heart she longs to thaw. But beneath the surface of his detached exterior is a fierce longing for the woman he’s forbidden to have.
The novel thrives on its dark, slow-burning tension, as Iris and Kian become inexorably drawn to each other. Iris's lust and longing for Kian have been simmering under the surface for years, but now, with her life precariously balanced on the edge of ruin, her desperate desire might be her undoing. The dynamic between Kian and Iris is electric; their connection is more than just physical attraction—there’s a deep, consuming force that pulls them together, despite the repercussions that will follow.
Kian is a classic morally grey antihero—cold, ruthless, and highly protective of his emotions. But as his obsession with Iris grows, his character becomes more complex, revealing his vulnerability beneath the icy façade. For Iris, the sunshine heroine with a darkness hidden beneath, Kian is the temptation she can’t resist. She’s determined to dive into the dangerous depths of her desire, even if it means destroying everything she’s built.
As the tension rises, so does the sense of danger. The chemistry between Kian and Iris is palpable, leaving readers on edge as they navigate their illicit attraction amidst betrayal and deceit. Carnal Games is a dark, captivating, and utterly addictive story of love, obsession, and the devastating consequences of crossing forbidden lines. It’s a thrilling, emotionally charged read that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
💔 Morally grey characters
🖤 Obsession
⚖️ Betrayal
💋 Steamy romance
👫 Enemies to lovers
🌑 Dark hero
🌞 Sunshine heroine
🕵️♀️ Secrets and lies
💍 Engagement
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carnal Games by Simran, the third book in the Arranged Games series, grips readers with its electrifying intensity and unapologetic tension. In this twisted tale, Iris is living a lie, one that she's carefully constructed to protect the deep secrets she’s hiding. Despite being engaged to a man she’s supposed to love, her true desires lie elsewhere, with Kian Singhania, her fiancé's enigmatic older brother. Kian is everything Iris craves and fears—cold, isolated, and dangerous, with a heart she longs to thaw. But beneath the surface of his detached exterior is a fierce longing for the woman he’s forbidden to have.
The novel thrives on its dark, slow-burning tension, as Iris and Kian become inexorably drawn to each other. Iris's lust and longing for Kian have been simmering under the surface for years, but now, with her life precariously balanced on the edge of ruin, her desperate desire might be her undoing. The dynamic between Kian and Iris is electric; their connection is more than just physical attraction—there’s a deep, consuming force that pulls them together, despite the repercussions that will follow.
Kian is a classic morally grey antihero—cold, ruthless, and highly protective of his emotions. But as his obsession with Iris grows, his character becomes more complex, revealing his vulnerability beneath the icy façade. For Iris, the sunshine heroine with a darkness hidden beneath, Kian is the temptation she can’t resist. She’s determined to dive into the dangerous depths of her desire, even if it means destroying everything she’s built.
As the tension rises, so does the sense of danger. The chemistry between Kian and Iris is palpable, leaving readers on edge as they navigate their illicit attraction amidst betrayal and deceit. Carnal Games is a dark, captivating, and utterly addictive story of love, obsession, and the devastating consequences of crossing forbidden lines. It’s a thrilling, emotionally charged read that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
July 4, 2025
** 5 + stars **
Carnal Games is my first book from this author but definitely won't be my last. I had no idea what I was getting into but I absolutely devoured this book. It hooked me from the first page and was a rollercoaster of emotions.
There are many reasons you will love this book:
* Finacee's brother
* Girl obsessed
* Suspense
* Age gap
Iris sees a man in a park and becomes obsessed with seeing him. She has no idea who he is. She meets Nathan and they strike up a friendship. One day while watching the mystery man she sees him talking to Nathan. Nathan later reveals that the man is Kian, his older brother. They do not get along and Kian has been estranged from his family. Iris cannot stop her obsession of Kian. After three years she and Nathan are still friends but now they are fake engaged. He needs to marry to solidify his position in his family's company. She has promised her ailing grandfather that she will marry. She hates lying to everyone but thinks that is what she has to do. She also wants to help her friend Nathan out.
Iris is working undercover as a journalist and is trying to get an interview with Kian. He refuses to meet with her. He finally makes a deal with her after she won't leave him alone. She agrees to the deal and becomes his assistant. She knows there are things happening in his company and tries to solve the mystery. Nathan is away and doesn't know everything that is going on. Iris gets attacked a few times and is in danger. Kian wants to keep her safe and decides to let her move in with him. They have amazing chemistry but he doesn't want to make things worse with his brother. He is getting closer and closer to Iris and doesn't want her to be his brother's fiancee' anymore. Nathan comes back and tries to take care of Iris.
I loved Iris and Kian together. They had such amazing fire between them. Iris has been crushing on Kian for years. It was great to see when she was finally able to get closer to him. I loved how he was so protective of her.
The cliffhanger wrecked me and I cannot wait for the next book. It needs to come out now.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Carnal Games is my first book from this author but definitely won't be my last. I had no idea what I was getting into but I absolutely devoured this book. It hooked me from the first page and was a rollercoaster of emotions.
There are many reasons you will love this book:
* Finacee's brother
* Girl obsessed
* Suspense
* Age gap
Iris sees a man in a park and becomes obsessed with seeing him. She has no idea who he is. She meets Nathan and they strike up a friendship. One day while watching the mystery man she sees him talking to Nathan. Nathan later reveals that the man is Kian, his older brother. They do not get along and Kian has been estranged from his family. Iris cannot stop her obsession of Kian. After three years she and Nathan are still friends but now they are fake engaged. He needs to marry to solidify his position in his family's company. She has promised her ailing grandfather that she will marry. She hates lying to everyone but thinks that is what she has to do. She also wants to help her friend Nathan out.
Iris is working undercover as a journalist and is trying to get an interview with Kian. He refuses to meet with her. He finally makes a deal with her after she won't leave him alone. She agrees to the deal and becomes his assistant. She knows there are things happening in his company and tries to solve the mystery. Nathan is away and doesn't know everything that is going on. Iris gets attacked a few times and is in danger. Kian wants to keep her safe and decides to let her move in with him. They have amazing chemistry but he doesn't want to make things worse with his brother. He is getting closer and closer to Iris and doesn't want her to be his brother's fiancee' anymore. Nathan comes back and tries to take care of Iris.
I loved Iris and Kian together. They had such amazing fire between them. Iris has been crushing on Kian for years. It was great to see when she was finally able to get closer to him. I loved how he was so protective of her.
The cliffhanger wrecked me and I cannot wait for the next book. It needs to come out now.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
July 10, 2025
I was so excited to start this book—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Books where the FMC is the stalker? Always top tier. This one? No different. My girl Iris lit the stage on fire. I love how Kian matched her level of unhinged and obsessed perfectly, even though, let’s be honest, Iris was just a tad bit more than him. And I loved her for it.
We’ve had enough of men writing sonnets and poems for women—it’s our turn now. And that’s exactly what Iris’s POV felt like. If she could’ve written ballads in Kian’s name, she would have. Her voice was so intense, so devoted, it gave the traditional morally grey MMCs a run for their money. Like, she got engaged to his younger brother just to get close to him?? Girlie was on a mission, and she wasn't playing. I lived for it.
This book was a treat in every way. Every. Single. Trope. was so beautifully served:
-Obsessive love
-Stalker FMC
-Morally grey characters
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Age gap
-Brother’s fiancée
-Slow burn
-Possessive MMC
-Emotional twists
-Mutual obsession
-And that electric chemistry
Kian—the grump with a soft-as-mush interior—was absolutely addictive. I don’t blame Iris one bit for going full stalker-mode. Honestly? Same, girl, same.
And seeing familiar characters show up again? Always the best treat. The glimpses of Nova and Rosa were the cherry on top.
The romance was a slow burn of sorts, but when the spice hit? It detonated. The chemistry was there from the first look, but the angst, the yearning, the build-up? It made everything ten times more intense. Kian’s jealousy and possessiveness? Easily my favorite parts. His need to claim Iris knows no bounds, and I ate it up.
And the twists?? The turns?? My head was spinning. I was flying through the pages, desperate to know what happens next. And then—that cliffhanger. I was devastated. I knew it was coming, and I still kept trying to swipe for more pages like a fool.
I am dying to get my hands on the next book in this duet. I know it’s going to wreck me in the best way, and I cannot wait to dive back into the chaos that is Iris and Kian.
We’ve had enough of men writing sonnets and poems for women—it’s our turn now. And that’s exactly what Iris’s POV felt like. If she could’ve written ballads in Kian’s name, she would have. Her voice was so intense, so devoted, it gave the traditional morally grey MMCs a run for their money. Like, she got engaged to his younger brother just to get close to him?? Girlie was on a mission, and she wasn't playing. I lived for it.
This book was a treat in every way. Every. Single. Trope. was so beautifully served:
-Obsessive love
-Stalker FMC
-Morally grey characters
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Age gap
-Brother’s fiancée
-Slow burn
-Possessive MMC
-Emotional twists
-Mutual obsession
-And that electric chemistry
Kian—the grump with a soft-as-mush interior—was absolutely addictive. I don’t blame Iris one bit for going full stalker-mode. Honestly? Same, girl, same.
And seeing familiar characters show up again? Always the best treat. The glimpses of Nova and Rosa were the cherry on top.
The romance was a slow burn of sorts, but when the spice hit? It detonated. The chemistry was there from the first look, but the angst, the yearning, the build-up? It made everything ten times more intense. Kian’s jealousy and possessiveness? Easily my favorite parts. His need to claim Iris knows no bounds, and I ate it up.
And the twists?? The turns?? My head was spinning. I was flying through the pages, desperate to know what happens next. And then—that cliffhanger. I was devastated. I knew it was coming, and I still kept trying to swipe for more pages like a fool.
I am dying to get my hands on the next book in this duet. I know it’s going to wreck me in the best way, and I cannot wait to dive back into the chaos that is Iris and Kian.
July 2, 2025
Holy smokes this book was hot. I mean Iris is literally the stalker in this book. I have read very few books if any where the female is the stalker. She is obsessed with our boy Kian. The level of unhinged and brutal obsession she has is top notch. I was not expecting that twist at the end. I cannot believe how that went down. I will say this, I seriously cannot wait for the second part of their story. I need it like now. I need to know how they will claw their way back to each other. Kian with his possessive declaration at the end was chefs kiss. I would hands down let that man do the same to me. Kian tried so hard to be the good guy but Iris was having none of that. The way he protected her was so sweet. He was perfect for her. There are so many secrets and lies being packed around by everyone. Iris sees Kian from a far and has an instant connection to him. Little does he know she has spent three years wanting and needing him. She has literally been his stalker. She gets engaged to his brother as part of a marriage agreement. Kian does not realize the marriage is a shame but ever the good guy he is he still tries to stay away from Iris. He is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They have epic chemistry. This is a slow burn book and it has more plot than spice. I will say this the spice it does have is so worth the wait. I cannot wait to see how these to combust for each other in the next book. If you are looking for a duet that will keep you on your toes and wanting more then look no further. This book was my first by this author and it was so worth it. She did a fantastic job getting you engaged in the story and left you wanting more. The characters are fantastic. I cannot wait to learn more about what is lurking around the corners. This story had so much depth and intrigue to go around. I am glad that the author did a duet for this couple because with all the story and plot in this book it would have been rushed if she only made it into one book. You definitely need two books for this explosive couple.
July 5, 2025
{Arc review}story stared between amazing friendship Between Iris & Nathan {not main character or her love interest } was great & until they got engaged due some reason this is not love only friendship between them she help him for Ceo position situation then soon her love interest the guy she was obsessed for 3 years who is happen to be Nathan older brother kian🫣 later on their 1st meet was short but they became neighbour him don’t know yet & then later on from work her boss ask her to investigate as reporter kian company because some-many girls were missing etc that why it the moment she went at his company for information refuse & send her away but since it wasn’t easy to convince him until she started goes gentlemen club & almost bidding by another men & he outbid that person & he finally say okay be my assistant for 5 months to observe & be his shadow & then slowly their story started the banter the tension & 🥵 the moment between them when she was attacked at his company he was like feel if something happen to her he won’t spare that person was hot 🥵 the way he feels protective and possessive toward her & then jealousy happens too the 1st kiss was mindblowing their spicy scenes was slowly even though they didn’t yet sleep because it he won’t until she is not more fiancé of his brother that why but they have some spicy moments & emotional too between them 🥵🙈 🥹 Some twisted will happen when iris wasn’t about to ending their fake engagement just didn’t expect this shocked twist that Nathan knows already from beginning that she been obsessed stalking & in love with Kian
He threatened her to marry him otherwise he will tell Kian everything she has not choice now to marry him & Kian and iris story ending on cliffhanger with a note I am sorry I have to marry him now he will think she don’t really love him 🥺now I can’t wait next book I rate this arc 5/5✨ this is a masterpiece everything was perfect from the plot the chemistry the spicy scenes 🥵
He threatened her to marry him otherwise he will tell Kian everything she has not choice now to marry him & Kian and iris story ending on cliffhanger with a note I am sorry I have to marry him now he will think she don’t really love him 🥺now I can’t wait next book I rate this arc 5/5✨ this is a masterpiece everything was perfect from the plot the chemistry the spicy scenes 🥵
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews